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The Guardians #1
Unconditional
He’s A Man With A Dark Past, And It Threatens His Family
Family means everything to Dominic Stone. But his family is endangered because of his past profession. His wife knows nothing of the danger she and their children are in, and he wants to keep it that way. He wouldn’t allow his wife to live in fear, simply because some idiot wants to settle a score. It is his responsibility to shield her from those unpleasant realities.
˃˃˃ He Is A Hardened Soldier, But Against Her He Is DefenselessDominic is a trained, lethal weapon, courtesy of the U.S. Navy, and an expert at camouflaging his emotions. But his Nubian queen makes him feel things he’d never thought he could, and he has no defense against such an arsenal. From the day they met, he refuses to be without her. However, the danger to her became too great, forcing him to give in to her demand for a separation. But he would be damned if he would allow them to become another divorce statistic.
˃˃˃ She Left Everything To Be With The Man She LovesRinah Stone loves her husband Dominic more than life itself. She left all she had known, family and country, to spend her life with the man of her dreams. He is everything she could have hoped for: strong, handsome, an amazing lover, intelligent, and hard working. But is he faithful? She demands he leave their home when she catches him in an irrefutably compromising position. Instead of fighting for their marriage, as she expects, he walks out and doesn’t look back.
˃˃˃ Love Makes You Do Crazy ThingsEight months later, he is back and demanding to be a part of her and their children’s life again. How can she trust him, especially when he refuses to explain his absence, or terminate his relationship with the other woman?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2015
134 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
D.M. Mortier
28 books160 followersThe first romance novel I ever read was Cinderella! I devoured Disney’s version of romance until I was eleven, and then I discovered Mills & Boons. In those days kissing was the most explicit intimacy disclosed: the hero and heroine went to bed and came out the next day with smiles! I had no idea what happened, but I was intrigued. My mom had shelves and shelves of them. Over the long summer breaks, I barely left my bedroom! My busy parent had no idea what I was up to. I’ve always been fascinated with love stories. I started writing in college, but I never expected anyone would ever read my whimsical musings. LOL! Now years later, after husband and kids, and a solid career in finance I’ve started publishing those early ideas.
I write my stories so that every woman would be inspired to find the other half of themselves. With every story I tell, my Caribbean sisters are highlighted. Our culture is a melting pot of all ethnicities, where love has no color. We love who we love and make no apology for it. These stories are also infused with my love for sports and action thrillers. I’m an avid sports fan. Tennis, football, track and basketball are my favorites. I devour dramas and action movies. So it’s to be expected that my books have a healthy dose of adventure.
Writing romance novels has been a dream I never knew I had. It was born out of suddenly having a little extra time with the kids out of the house. I absolutely love this creative outlet.
Author’s Creed
I like women strong, and my men stronger!
I like my sex raunchy but meaningful!
I write my stories so that every woman would be inspired to find the other half of themselves. With every story I tell, my Caribbean sisters are highlighted. Our culture is a melting pot of all ethnicities, where love has no color. We love who we love and make no apology for it. These stories are also infused with my love for sports and action thrillers. I’m an avid sports fan. Tennis, football, track and basketball are my favorites. I devour dramas and action movies. So it’s to be expected that my books have a healthy dose of adventure.
Writing romance novels has been a dream I never knew I had. It was born out of suddenly having a little extra time with the kids out of the house. I absolutely love this creative outlet.
Author’s Creed
I like women strong, and my men stronger!
I like my sex raunchy but meaningful!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 14, 2015
***2.5 Stars***
I really do not like giving negative reviews, but sometimes, I gotta speak on it: This story is a hot mess. The entire narrative is based on assumptions, innuendos, and a definite lack of communication between the H/H. I understand that a story is supposed to have some ongoing conflict that ultimately gets resolved, but these characters, an ex-Navy seal/business mogul and a headstrong lawyer, are supposed to be far more intelligent then these two jokers.
(Spoiler): Dominic and Rinah are separated because of Dominic's supposed infidelity, and the heffa, a racist one at that, is still in the picture causing trouble for the couple. If Dominic is such a badass, why does he let this ho ruin his marriage, call his wife out of her name, and spew racial epithets for much of the story? Why does Rinah, after briefly reconciling with Dom, continue to allow Flavia, the floozy, racist, home-wrecking biotch continue to get in her head and destroy her self-esteem and her marriage? I'm like come the fuck on!!!!
If you're a fan of messy, campy romance, then yeah, give it a shot. But if you like to read stories that are logical and well-executed, then consider reading through Kindle Unlimited. It does have a few entertaining moments.
I really do not like giving negative reviews, but sometimes, I gotta speak on it: This story is a hot mess. The entire narrative is based on assumptions, innuendos, and a definite lack of communication between the H/H. I understand that a story is supposed to have some ongoing conflict that ultimately gets resolved, but these characters, an ex-Navy seal/business mogul and a headstrong lawyer, are supposed to be far more intelligent then these two jokers.
(Spoiler): Dominic and Rinah are separated because of Dominic's supposed infidelity, and the heffa, a racist one at that, is still in the picture causing trouble for the couple. If Dominic is such a badass, why does he let this ho ruin his marriage, call his wife out of her name, and spew racial epithets for much of the story? Why does Rinah, after briefly reconciling with Dom, continue to allow Flavia, the floozy, racist, home-wrecking biotch continue to get in her head and destroy her self-esteem and her marriage? I'm like come the fuck on!!!!
If you're a fan of messy, campy romance, then yeah, give it a shot. But if you like to read stories that are logical and well-executed, then consider reading through Kindle Unlimited. It does have a few entertaining moments.
September 13, 2018
3.5 Stars
This book held my attention. At times, the heroine was immature, and at times the hero was a neanderthal and a pompous ass. Seriously, he's gone for eight months and thinks he can come back dictating terms -- is laughable. He continually dismisses the heroine's concerns about Flavia (an employee that wants him) because she should trust and believe in his love. After all, he married her. Why the heroine didn't record the BS Flavia was saying to her was beyond me?! The conflict that was manufactured so the hero could walk in the heroine's shoes doesn't work because the accusation in question could easily be disproved. The nemesis, Flavia was due a serious beat down -- like she stole something.
This book held my attention. At times, the heroine was immature, and at times the hero was a neanderthal and a pompous ass. Seriously, he's gone for eight months and thinks he can come back dictating terms -- is laughable. He continually dismisses the heroine's concerns about Flavia (an employee that wants him) because she should trust and believe in his love. After all, he married her. Why the heroine didn't record the BS Flavia was saying to her was beyond me?! The conflict that was manufactured so the hero could walk in the heroine's shoes doesn't work because the accusation in question could easily be disproved. The nemesis, Flavia was due a serious beat down -- like she stole something.
January 25, 2019
Good Read, BUT
I've read another book I Want To Be Yours by this author that I truly loved. But this one was a stretch for me. The premise of the book sounded great, but at times, the dialogue between the hero and the heroine did not flow. The heroine was friggin' exhausting. If you do not like books where the heroine is acting like an idiot because of something that someone tells her, you will not like this book. It took everything in me to finish it without wanting to smack the heroine. In what world does a woman not confront the "supposed other woman"? I do not like it when the hero and heroine have problems that stem from them not simply talking to each other. And this is what happens continuously throughout this story.
I've read another book I Want To Be Yours by this author that I truly loved. But this one was a stretch for me. The premise of the book sounded great, but at times, the dialogue between the hero and the heroine did not flow. The heroine was friggin' exhausting. If you do not like books where the heroine is acting like an idiot because of something that someone tells her, you will not like this book. It took everything in me to finish it without wanting to smack the heroine. In what world does a woman not confront the "supposed other woman"? I do not like it when the hero and heroine have problems that stem from them not simply talking to each other. And this is what happens continuously throughout this story.
June 14, 2016
I loved this!
This is a rollercoaster of emotions! I totally enjoyed this story! I'm so happy I've discovered the writing world of D.M. Mortier!
This is a rollercoaster of emotions! I totally enjoyed this story! I'm so happy I've discovered the writing world of D.M. Mortier!
September 16, 2018
A passionate marriage
Two particularly beautiful people are instantly attracted to each other. He is a Navy Seal involved in secret missions which puts his family at risk, yet the far greater risk was a woman working in his own office. She deeply resented his wife and his love for her. She stopped at nothing to get between them. She was mad. It came to a near divorce before they learnt to trust one another completely. I enjoyed this story but was frustrated by Dominic's expectation of Rianah's trust despite all evidence to the contrary and no explanation from him. When their roles were reversed he was eventually able to understand her all-consuming jealousy.
Two particularly beautiful people are instantly attracted to each other. He is a Navy Seal involved in secret missions which puts his family at risk, yet the far greater risk was a woman working in his own office. She deeply resented his wife and his love for her. She stopped at nothing to get between them. She was mad. It came to a near divorce before they learnt to trust one another completely. I enjoyed this story but was frustrated by Dominic's expectation of Rianah's trust despite all evidence to the contrary and no explanation from him. When their roles were reversed he was eventually able to understand her all-consuming jealousy.
August 19, 2017
Fabulous read
I just loved both protagonists as Rinah is assertive and will not be intimidated by her gorgeous husband, Dominic. Both clearly adore each other but issues of trust are both their Achilles heel and are used against them. After several highs and even more lows our couple earn their happy ending. Their children are delightful and it is pleasing the way the author makes them so normal. There are some typographical and editing errors but, thankfully t hey do not detract from a lively and suspenseful romance. Well done! I would definitely recommend this author.
I just loved both protagonists as Rinah is assertive and will not be intimidated by her gorgeous husband, Dominic. Both clearly adore each other but issues of trust are both their Achilles heel and are used against them. After several highs and even more lows our couple earn their happy ending. Their children are delightful and it is pleasing the way the author makes them so normal. There are some typographical and editing errors but, thankfully t hey do not detract from a lively and suspenseful romance. Well done! I would definitely recommend this author.
November 10, 2017
Another great story by this author. I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
I found Dominic to be a little over bearing and arrogant that he should believe his wife should just trust him, when he would not put Flavia in her place. I loved that he got a taste of his own medicine and he could not live up to the standard he has set for his wife.
I love how the men in D M's stories love their women fiercely and make no apologies for that. I love how the author jumps right into the story and the men's possessiveness of their ladies, the stories are fast paced which I also love.
I found Dominic to be a little over bearing and arrogant that he should believe his wife should just trust him, when he would not put Flavia in her place. I loved that he got a taste of his own medicine and he could not live up to the standard he has set for his wife.
I love how the men in D M's stories love their women fiercely and make no apologies for that. I love how the author jumps right into the story and the men's possessiveness of their ladies, the stories are fast paced which I also love.
August 13, 2015
Damn!!!!
I loved this book. It hooks you right from the start. I could have strangled Dominic sometimes but he was being a block headed man. The racial slurs were funny. I bet some people probably think like that. Now Victor and his crazy pass sister should have gotten beats down. I hope there us more to this story. I would love to see them in court.
Great job, this was my first D.M. Mortier novel but trust and believe it will not be my last.
I loved this book. It hooks you right from the start. I could have strangled Dominic sometimes but he was being a block headed man. The racial slurs were funny. I bet some people probably think like that. Now Victor and his crazy pass sister should have gotten beats down. I hope there us more to this story. I would love to see them in court.
Great job, this was my first D.M. Mortier novel but trust and believe it will not be my last.
August 13, 2015
D m did it again!
This is the 3rd book l have read by DM Mortier and she manages to exceed my expectations every time. I enjoyed this book on my 2 hrs flight on vacation and read it again on the beach. I was blown away by the passion and storyline. The female love interest is a little immature in the beginning but as you read,you begin to understand her immaturity and insecurities. Great sex scenes and nasty jealousy from a spurned associate makes it very interesting.
This is the 3rd book l have read by DM Mortier and she manages to exceed my expectations every time. I enjoyed this book on my 2 hrs flight on vacation and read it again on the beach. I was blown away by the passion and storyline. The female love interest is a little immature in the beginning but as you read,you begin to understand her immaturity and insecurities. Great sex scenes and nasty jealousy from a spurned associate makes it very interesting.
February 6, 2019
WOW LOVED IT
I loved and enjoyed Dominic and Rinah's story. These two was made for each other. I loved how Dominic was protective of his family. Boy Victor and Flavia was something else I would have killed them both. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoy reading a good love story. I hope to see these guys again. Great job D.M. I hope there is more stories like these to come. Thank you.
I loved and enjoyed Dominic and Rinah's story. These two was made for each other. I loved how Dominic was protective of his family. Boy Victor and Flavia was something else I would have killed them both. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoy reading a good love story. I hope to see these guys again. Great job D.M. I hope there is more stories like these to come. Thank you.
September 9, 2015
WOW
I Loved Dominic and Rina together. I was mad at him for not handling his business but men as smart as they can be, can be really stupid when it comes to females. Case in point Flavia he had no clue what she was doing until the tide had turned on him... This was a Great Read!!!!!
I Loved Dominic and Rina together. I was mad at him for not handling his business but men as smart as they can be, can be really stupid when it comes to females. Case in point Flavia he had no clue what she was doing until the tide had turned on him... This was a Great Read!!!!!
August 7, 2016
Damnnnnnn!
This is my third book by her and I've enjoyed every last one of them! I don't believe in telling about the story in reviews because I don't want to spoil it for other readers. I'm always just gonna say if I liked it or not. This one, I loved. Actually read it in a few hours because I didn't want to stop reading it.
This is my third book by her and I've enjoyed every last one of them! I don't believe in telling about the story in reviews because I don't want to spoil it for other readers. I'm always just gonna say if I liked it or not. This one, I loved. Actually read it in a few hours because I didn't want to stop reading it.
August 11, 2015
Linda Christiani
I was so sorry to read the end this story was so good it's just what I love a man that can accept his Mistakes and rectify it with his love. Again please!
I was so sorry to read the end this story was so good it's just what I love a man that can accept his Mistakes and rectify it with his love. Again please!
August 12, 2015
Loved It!!!!
This was a very good book. I enjoyed the authors style The characters were believable and interesting. I could become a fan of this author
This was a very good book. I enjoyed the authors style The characters were believable and interesting. I could become a fan of this author
September 11, 2018
Nice
Good read I liked the story. Actually went thru something similar myself. So it was nice to read a happy ending?
Good read I liked the story. Actually went thru something similar myself. So it was nice to read a happy ending?
April 9, 2017
Great read
I loved this series and all the others that intertwined. I love Dominic and Rinah...great couple and great chemistry. I recommend
I loved this series and all the others that intertwined. I love Dominic and Rinah...great couple and great chemistry. I recommend
June 22, 2017
Oh My...!
What a breath of fresh air! Real married couple issues written beautifully and accurately. The flow of this book keeps the reader continuously reading and reading and reading and then its over and now I need the next book!
What a breath of fresh air! Real married couple issues written beautifully and accurately. The flow of this book keeps the reader continuously reading and reading and reading and then its over and now I need the next book!
March 20, 2017
Good read!
Dominic and Rinah are a hot couple. Always love the alphas....Rin was a little irritating always ready to run when things get complicated. Over all a good read.
Dominic and Rinah are a hot couple. Always love the alphas....Rin was a little irritating always ready to run when things get complicated. Over all a good read.
July 18, 2023
I hate him * warning SPOILERS*
Dom is the worst husband in the world and I was begging that she left him for real if gaslighting and manipulation is love I don’t want it. This man has NEVER said I love you but demand she Trust him. He allowed that woman to rub on his back, answer his phone and knew she was harassing his wife and it’s HER fault for not trusting him enough even though he lied to her their entire relationship where he basically daughterd her and reduced her to nothing but a warm beautiful body. He didn’t have enough consequences to his actions and it’s upsetting me and my homegirls. This is my second time reading and it evokes the emotions but leaves you angry long after the last page.
Three stars because the ending is not it for me.
Dom is the worst husband in the world and I was begging that she left him for real if gaslighting and manipulation is love I don’t want it. This man has NEVER said I love you but demand she Trust him. He allowed that woman to rub on his back, answer his phone and knew she was harassing his wife and it’s HER fault for not trusting him enough even though he lied to her their entire relationship where he basically daughterd her and reduced her to nothing but a warm beautiful body. He didn’t have enough consequences to his actions and it’s upsetting me and my homegirls. This is my second time reading and it evokes the emotions but leaves you angry long after the last page.
Three stars because the ending is not it for me.
August 20, 2015
Good book
I really enjoyed this book, I always say we woman get the double standard when it comes to being unfaithful. Man can do what they want but we as female's can't. But I enjoyed having Dom fell what his wife went through when she thought he was messing around on her.
I really enjoyed this book, I always say we woman get the double standard when it comes to being unfaithful. Man can do what they want but we as female's can't. But I enjoyed having Dom fell what his wife went through when she thought he was messing around on her.
October 24, 2019
Fantastic Book
I enjoyed reading this book so much! I couldn't put my kindle down! I enjoyed the storyline and the chemistry between Rinah and Dominic! Such a fantastic book! I am enjoying reading books by D.M. Mortier!
I enjoyed reading this book so much! I couldn't put my kindle down! I enjoyed the storyline and the chemistry between Rinah and Dominic! Such a fantastic book! I am enjoying reading books by D.M. Mortier!
April 15, 2016
Enjoyed
I love every book I've read from this author. Loved the main characters, Dominic and Rinah. I wanted to kick Flavia behind, what an evil woman. Thanks to the author.
I love every book I've read from this author. Loved the main characters, Dominic and Rinah. I wanted to kick Flavia behind, what an evil woman. Thanks to the author.
August 24, 2015
Fantastic
This book was incredible. I enjoyed the storyline. Dominic and Rinah were a loving interracial couple. The nemesis just didn't want them together.
This book was incredible. I enjoyed the storyline. Dominic and Rinah were a loving interracial couple. The nemesis just didn't want them together.
March 7, 2025
It has been a while since I have read a book by D. M. Mortier. I always enjoy this author’s books, and I appreciated her use of humor and her well lived in characters. Unconditional is the first book in her series, the Guardians. The book was released in 2015, and it holds up well in both scope and social references. Ms. Mortier excels in crafting uncompromising and headstrong male characters. Her male characters are stubborn AND honorable often to the point that everything for them is black and white, with no shades of gray or areas for negotiation! When the story starts our two main characters, Dominic and Rinah, have been separated for eight months and are no closer to resolving their differences. Dominic is a powerful businessman but also works clandestinely as an operative. He is secretive and has a female colleague causing trouble and insinuating a relationship that does not exist. Instead of clearing the air or distancing himself from this person he wants his wife to trust him UNCONDITIONALLY. Naturally, with the optics of this messy situation, Rinah needs more than he is prepared to give. They bicker spectacularly but their reconciliations are just as heated. However, will they find common ground before their enemies separate them forever? Another great story with a great deal of emotional sweetness, passionate love, hardheadedness (almost all Dominic) and some formidable enemies. There are three other books in this series and I look forward to reading about the other members of the team.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/uncond...
February 28, 2021
Love requires "Trust"
Was truly looking forward to Dominic's story after meeting him in Jaden and Zara's book. He and Rinah have a strong connection and love story, but they allowed too much mistrust of the other to cloud their life, and made it to easy for hateful people to drive a wedge between them. Rinah needed to stop running away and knowing somewhat the type of work Dominic does for the government should have allowed her to be a bit more understanding. Dominic needed to allow his wife a bit more clarity in that respect as well. Especially due to the danger that could touch his family. I am so in love with these military, seal team, special ops guys. They are tough, dependable, and loyal. I love their brotherhood and trust in each other. So cool. They love their women with such heartfelt strength and joy. Well, on to our next hero, and the woman who captures his heart.
Was truly looking forward to Dominic's story after meeting him in Jaden and Zara's book. He and Rinah have a strong connection and love story, but they allowed too much mistrust of the other to cloud their life, and made it to easy for hateful people to drive a wedge between them. Rinah needed to stop running away and knowing somewhat the type of work Dominic does for the government should have allowed her to be a bit more understanding. Dominic needed to allow his wife a bit more clarity in that respect as well. Especially due to the danger that could touch his family. I am so in love with these military, seal team, special ops guys. They are tough, dependable, and loyal. I love their brotherhood and trust in each other. So cool. They love their women with such heartfelt strength and joy. Well, on to our next hero, and the woman who captures his heart.
April 13, 2022
I found I disliked the heroine for her immaturity & stupidity throughout the story & can't fathom how she was an attorney when she couldn't stand up for herself. With the vast resources she had available to her, she could have obtained proof of the trifling wenches' ways. Both the H/H had no concept of communication. The heroine was constantly offended by her husband's brutish attitude, but he was like that BEFORE she met him so why she continued to complain after marrying him I still don't understand. So much drama would have been eliminated if they focused on communicating versus accusing each other. The heroine was a pushover towards everyone but her husband, but their issues dragged on for way too long.
October 4, 2021
Not Impressed
This book was just so so for me. I was really annoyed that 3/4 of the book consisted of the female lead accussing her husband of cheating without any actual facts and being a week minded female too gullible to stand up for herself and believe in a husband she supposedly loved. Additionally, the husband was too stubborn to listen to his wife's concerns and fears because she should have automatically trusted him. I think this entire saga could have been resolved in a couple chapters; however, the author continued to drag out for the entire book. I've read many of this authors books and by far this is the worst one.
This book was just so so for me. I was really annoyed that 3/4 of the book consisted of the female lead accussing her husband of cheating without any actual facts and being a week minded female too gullible to stand up for herself and believe in a husband she supposedly loved. Additionally, the husband was too stubborn to listen to his wife's concerns and fears because she should have automatically trusted him. I think this entire saga could have been resolved in a couple chapters; however, the author continued to drag out for the entire book. I've read many of this authors books and by far this is the worst one.
November 7, 2023
Hovering between 3.5 -4. While I appreciated the chemistry and connections between Dom and Rinah I was equally frustrated with all the gaslighting and how it’s impact on their relationship.
Dom could have been more open about his feelings rather than minimizing Rinah concerns by continually stating either “you believe me or not”. Dom could have established healthier boundaries with Flavia instead of allowing her to harass his wife.
It didn’t make sense how Dom could be oblivious to Victor and Flavia manipulation
Dom could have been more open about his feelings rather than minimizing Rinah concerns by continually stating either “you believe me or not”. Dom could have established healthier boundaries with Flavia instead of allowing her to harass his wife.
It didn’t make sense how Dom could be oblivious to Victor and Flavia manipulation
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2020
This story was good even though I was a bit frustrated with the H and his reluctance to see that evil Flavia was up to no good! He kept her on working at his company until reality set in and he finally fired her! And, don't get me started on Flavia's evil brother, Victor! Those two are living in the dark ages with their racist views! They have the nerve to live in The Bahamas with their ancient ideas! Just hateful! Sorry for the rant! Anyway, it was overall a good story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews